Trump ordered a naval blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, accusing Maduro's regime of terrorism and drug smuggling, intensifying US-Venezuela tensions over oil and sanctions.
Security & Defense
Australian police charged Naveed Akram with terrorism and multiple murders after he killed 15 at a Jewish festival, signaling a rise in Islamist-inspired attacks. Gun law reforms are impending amid concerns over firearms.
Australia's national cabinet initiates major gun law reforms following the Bondi shooting, targeting licensing, ownership limits, and new firearm technologies.
Military coups in Africa since 2020 suggest contagion through observation, rising domestic support, and weak international pushback.
Washington agreed to offer security guarantees to Ukraine in peace talks, involving a European-led force supported by the US, to address security and territorial disputes.
India's Supreme Court suggested NIA takeover of hardcore criminal cases to centralize prosecution and reduce trial delays caused by jurisdictional challenges and overburdened courts.
The US killed eight in strikes on vessels near Venezuela, citing drug trafficking. This follows a regional military buildup, intensifying tensions with Venezuela over oil and sovereignty.
US military strikes three drug trafficking boats in the Pacific, killing eight amid legal concerns over use of force.
Ukraine is willing to forgo NATO membership in exchange for alternative Western security guarantees amid war talks. The guarantees would fall short of NATO’s collective defense but aim to deter future Russian aggression.
Thai airstrikes hit deep Cambodian territory near refugee camps amid intensified border fighting. Both sides report military and civilian casualties.
Oil tanker rates have surged due to sanctions removing ships and an aging fleet; high costs will likely persist into early 2026.
Australia plans tougher gun laws after a Sydney mass shooting kills 15, including limits on firearm ownership and license reviews.